Beyond Type 1 offers education on Type 1 diabetes/DKA

Beyond Type 1 and Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics launches an educational campaign

By Frank Lewis - flewis@civitasmedia.com

You may never have heard about the new type of philanthropy, Beyond Type 1, the leading diabetes awareness non-profit, which has partnered with the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to launch an educational campaign providing valuable information about Type-1 diabetes and DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) to parents and caregivers across the state of Ohio. Their hope is that you will hear more about it in the future.

“I have been working as a parent advocate for Beyond Type 1,” Malissa Sarver, local parent and dietician, said. “Every pediatrician’s office in Ohio will now have posters about the signs and symptoms of type-1 diabetes in an effort to prevent DKA and save lives. It is all completely paid for by Beyond Type 1 as well. I have been working on this project as a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes.”

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is the leading cause of mortality in children with Type-1 diabetes, and can contribute to additional long-term complications. Type-1 diabetes is increasing by three percent globally, and an estimated 41 percent of American children diagnosed with Type 1 are in DKA at diagnosis, often due to a misdiagnosis.

Together, along with two national parent advocates, Michelle Berman and Debbie Healy, and Sarver, Beyond Type 1 will raise awareness about T1D and DKA by deploying print materials to every pediatrician office in the state of Ohio, altogether, that’s over 250 pediatricians. The materials include multiple print posters with T1D warning signs in English and Spanish, a parent handout, and a survey.

Sarver said, along with that material, the packets each include an introduction letter, jointly signed by OHAAP and Beyond Type 1. An online portal is also being made available that includes audio for on-hold phone systems recorded by Type-1 diabetic and Beyond Type 1 Leadership Council Member, actor Victor Garber. Resources in a wide array of languages, and resources for newly diagnosed patients will be available at https://beyondtype1.org/ohio.

She said, Beyond Type 1 has already rolled out a similar campaign in Pennsylvania, Texas, New Jersey and Massachusetts and is actively working with other state chapters of the American Academy of Pediatrics to introduce the campaign in a large number of additional states over the coming months.

“By providing information about the warning signs of T1D to parents and caregivers, Beyond Type 1 aims to reduce the incidences of new onset DKA and save lives,” Sarver said.

Beyond Type 1 and Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics launches an educational campaign